On July 23 at Fidalgo Bay Resort, members of the Samish Indian Nation welcomed Tribal Journey Canoes to their territory as the canoe teams were enroute to Lower Elwha. The event also included a meal and potlatch festivities. An item on the tribal web site announced: “Witness the awesome resurgence of Coast Salish canoes to our inland waters, as we honor the ancestors and keep sacred the traditional ways of respecting one another.” Canoes arrived about 4 p.m., first paddling past a beach crowd and then landing to ask permission to come ashore. Permission was granted by Samish Indian Nation officials as salmon was prepared.
A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.
PHOTO LICENSING
Photos are available for use as prints and online use. Please contact me for pricing.
PRINTS
$12 for 5 X 7 inch archival print, mailing included.